King James Version

What Does Mark 6:56 Mean?

Mark 6:56 in the King James Version says “And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. touched him: or, touched it

Mark 6:56 · KJV


Context

54

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

55

And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was .

56

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. touched him: or, touched it


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Wherever Jesus went—'villages, cities, or country'—people 'laid the sick in the streets' (marketplaces, ἀγορὰς, agoras). They 'besought him that they might touch... the border of his garment.' This echoed the hemorrhaging woman's faith (Mark 5:27-28). 'As many as touched him were made whole' (ὅσοι ἂν ἥψαντο αὐτοῦ ἐσῴζοντο, hosoi an hēpsanto autou esōzonto)—universal healing, none disappointed. This demonstrates Christ's unlimited healing power and compassionate availability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'border of his garment' (κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, kraspedou tou himatiou autou) referred to tassels (tzitzit) Jewish men wore per Numbers 15:38-39. These had become focus of faith, though Jesus' person was the source. Ancient marketplaces (agoras) were public spaces where sick could be placed for visibility. The mass healings' public nature created numerous witnesses, making later denial difficult. Early church saw this as fulfillment of Isaiah 53:5: 'by his stripes we are healed.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
  2. How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅπου2 of 33

whithersoever

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἂν3 of 33

as

G302

whatsoever

εἰσεπορεύετο4 of 33

he entered

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς5 of 33

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

κώμας6 of 33

villages

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

7 of 33

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πόλεις8 of 33

cities

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

9 of 33

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀγροὺς10 of 33

country

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ἐν11 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς12 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγοραῖς13 of 33

the streets

G58

properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare

ἐτίθουν14 of 33

they laid

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τοὺς15 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενοῦντας16 of 33

the sick

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

καὶ17 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρεκάλουν18 of 33

besought

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτοῦ19 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα20 of 33

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κἂν21 of 33

if

G2579

and (or even) if

τοῦ22 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρασπέδου23 of 33

the border

G2899

a margin, i.e., (specially), a fringe or tassel

τοῦ24 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱματίου25 of 33

garment

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ26 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἤπτοντο27 of 33

they might touch

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

καὶ28 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅσοι29 of 33

as many

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν30 of 33

as

G302

whatsoever

ἤπτοντο31 of 33

they might touch

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

αὐτοῦ32 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐσῴζοντο33 of 33

were made whole

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 6:56 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 6:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study